DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, is making waves with its free and open-source chatbot. However, its rapid rise has sparked comparisons to TikTok, raising concerns about privacy, censorship, and security risks.
Why Are Experts Worried About DeepSeek?
Like TikTok, DeepSeek has expanded globally at a remarkable pace. This has led to growing concerns that the Chinese government could pressure the company to share user data or use the technology to promote geopolitical interests.
Security experts highlight three key risks:
- Data Collection & Privacy Issues
- DeepSeek gathers large amounts of user data, but its policies on data protection remain unclear.
- Experts fear it could surpass TikTok’s data collection capabilities, making it a powerful tool for surveillance or influence.
- Censorship & Political Influence
- DeepSeek has been found to avoid sensitive topics such as Taiwanโs sovereignty or human rights issues in China.
- This mirrors state censorship policies, raising questions about the chatbotโs neutrality and reliability.
- Cybersecurity Risks
- In December 2024, a security flaw was discovered that allowed attackers to hijack user accounts.
- Open-source models increase the risk of fraud, identity theft, and misinformation campaigns.
Is DeepSeek a “More Advanced” Version of TikTok?
Some analysts argue that DeepSeek represents an evolution of the data-harvesting tactics used by TikTok. Unlike a social media platform, an AI chatbot interacts directly with users, processing their questions, emotions, and behavioral patternsโmaking it even more valuable for data collection.
The Story Behind DeepSeek
- Founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek quickly gained global attention for its large language models (LLMs) that rival OpenAI and Google.
- Its AI chatbot became the most downloaded free app in China and the U.S., even surpassing ChatGPT.
- However, some experts question how the company trained its latest model, DeepSeek V3, at such a low cost, speculating that it may have bypassed U.S. export restrictions on AI technology.
Regulatory Challenges & Global Response
- China strictly controls AI development under its national security policies, raising doubts about DeepSeekโs independence.
- The U.S. is considering restrictions on open-source AI, fearing it could be exploited for misinformation or cyber threats.
Final Thoughts
DeepSeek represents both an impressive AI breakthrough and a potential security threat. While it offers powerful language models, its ties to China, data policies, and censorship issues make it a controversial player in the global AI race. The situation highlights the urgent need for stronger international AI regulations to ensure responsible and ethical development.